Effective treatment of arthrosis

Joint damage caused by osteoarthritis is progressive.Pain, poor mobility and general unpleasant symptoms gradually increase.Without adequate and comprehensive therapy, irreversible changes quickly occur in the form of deformation of bone joints and loss of working capacity.Comprehensive treatment of arthrosis with special drugs and non-pharmacological agents is a prerequisite for stopping the destruction of joints and restoring their functionality.

What is osteoarthritis and why does it occur?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic joint disease with multiple lesions of the surrounding tissues.It is progressive, non-inflammatory, and develops gradually over several years.It mainly affects women over the age of 50.

The causes of the disease lie in the degradation of the cartilage tissue which, due to the natural aging of the body, begins to deteriorate.

Unfavorable internal and external factors contribute to this process:

• bad inheritance;
• congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system;
• untreated and advanced arthritis;
• intense physical activity associated with work or professional sport;
• autoimmune and metabolic disorders;
• joint injuries and surgeries;
• excess weight and bad habits;
• sedentary lifestyle.

Osteoarthritis affects almost all movable joints that bear the greatest load throughout life: ankles, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, hands, toes, cervical spine and even the lower jaw.A gradual destruction of the articular joints is observed, accompanied by pain during movement, external deformation, muscle and vascular spasms and general malaise.

The disease is subject to complex therapy, without which it quickly leads to loss of performance and disability.

Principles of treatment of arthrosis

Osteoarthritis, unlike arthritis, occurs exclusively in a chronic form.Therefore, the answer to the question of whether arthrosis can be cured is unequivocal: the pathology cannot be completely cured.But thanks to timely and constant maintenance therapy, it is possible to achieve stable, long-term remission.It is important to consult a doctor (arthrologist, orthopedist, rheumatologist) at the first signs and undergo an examination, on the basis of which an effective treatment regimen is selected.

Osteoarthritis therapy has several important objectives:

• relieve painful symptoms and the discomfort that accompanies them;
• restore joint function;
• maintain mobility and ability to work into old age;
• prevent bone deformation and serious complications;
• stabilize general well-being.

Regardless of the form of the disease, two therapeutic approaches are used:

• medicinal (medicine)– preparations with symptomatic and therapeutic action in the form of tablets, powders, solutions, ointments, creams, intramuscular and intraarticular injections;
• non-pharmacological– traditional and alternative medicine, therapeutic exercises, diet, surgery.

The set of techniques is selected individually based on the clinical picture, stage of the disease, age and well-being of the patient.Medicines and procedures are prescribed by the attending physician based on diagnostic results.Self-medication of joint pathology is unacceptable.

Pharmacological treatment of joint arthrosis

Osteoarthritis of the joints at almost all stages can be treated conservatively with the help of various drugs.Systemic and local medications are used directly on the affected area.The choice depends on the severity of the disease and the severity of the clinical picture.

Medicines from different pharmacological groups are used:

• anti-inflammatories and painkillers;
• chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid;
• corticosteroids;
• vasodilators and muscle relaxants;
• vitamin complexes.

In the presence of arthritic pathology, the therapy is rather long and support measures are prescribed on a continuous basis.

Anti-inflammatories and painkillers

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs form the basis of antiarthritic therapy.They are prescribed regardless of the form and degree of joint damage.

1. NSAIDs are designed to relieve inflammation and moderate pain.Tablets and injections are used.Medicines in the form of ointments, gels and creams are effective in the initial stage of the disease.
2. Analgesics help cope with pain of mild to moderate intensity.

Drugs from these groups are taken in short courses due to the presence of side effects.

Chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid

What to do in case of arthrosis in case of partial destruction of the cartilaginous tissue?A course of chondroprotective drugs is recommended to halt complete degradation of the joints.The chondroitin and glucosamine contained in them improve functionality and metabolism.

The knee and hip area is treated with several courses of intra-articular injections.

Hyaluronic acid injections can provide auxiliary help, especially in cases of gonarthrosis.

Sodium hyaluronate creates a protective layer on damaged cartilage, replenishes the lack of synovial fluid, reduces trauma and increases the motor function of the joints.

You cannot expect a quick healing result from these drugs.Used exclusively as maintenance therapy.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid hormones are indicated in cases of severe pain and inflammation.Most often used in stages 3-4 of the disease due to the ineffectiveness of previous groups of drugs.

No more than three injections are allowed during the treatment period.With a favorable clinical picture, the positive result lasts for several months.

Vasodilators and muscle relaxants

Osteoarthritis often causes local deterioration of blood circulation, spasms of muscles and blood vessels and leads to congestion.

To improve blood flow, relieve muscle hypertonicity and facilitate mobility, the following are used:

• vasodilators;
• muscle relaxants.

The listed drugs are not always necessary, only if the degenerative-dystrophic process spreads to nearby tissues.The treatment is carried out carefully, with rigorous dosage and constant medical supervision.

Vitamin complexes

To improve cellular metabolism in the joints, it is recommended to take vitamins.Useful microelements stop the destruction of cartilage tissue, prevent serious complications, reduce the frequency of relapses and normalize the general condition.

Vitamin complexes are prescribed for preventive and supportive purposes:

• a complex containing more than 20 vitamins and minerals necessary for the formation of muscle and bone tissue;
• a neurotropic drug with a number of B vitamins (B1, B6, B12);
• complex of 8 B vitamins with addition of calcium, magnesium and zinc;
• a mineral and vitamin preparation with a high calcium content, which serves as a building material for bone tissue.

Drugs of this group increase the body's resistance to various disorders, mental and physical activity, and prevent vitamin deficiency.

Non-pharmacological therapy

A non-pharmacological approach is an equally important component in the treatment of joint arthritis.Auxiliary techniques are based on the achievements of traditional and alternative medicine, as well as on simple and at the same time effective things such as proper nutrition and moderate physical activity.

In total they are:

• accelerate rehabilitation;
• prolong the period of remission;
• prevent complications;
• improve general well-being.

As a last resort, surgery is used to maintain mobility.

How to treat arthrosis - folk recipes

Traditional medicine has a large number of recipes for all forms and stages of arthrosis.They are based exclusively on the use of natural ingredients of plant and animal origin.Medicines are prepared at home from products familiar to many, but they are absolutely simple and convenient.

Regardless of the location of the joint pathology, the following remedies will help:

1. Compresses of burdock leaves, white cabbage, aloe.Wash the fresh leaves and crush them a little to release the juice.Apply to the sore spot at night.
2. Ginger root compress to warm and stimulate blood circulation.Grate the root and wrap it around the sore joint with a clean cloth.
3. Baths with salt and soda solution for the extremities.Mix 3 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda and table salt, dissolve in water at 40 degrees.Hold your hand or foot in the basin for 15-20 minutes, wrap it in warmth.

4. Rub with honey and mumiyo.Prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon of mumiyo and 100 g of natural honey.Rub into the painful area with light massage movements.
5. Blue clay compress.Dissolve the dry powder in water, apply to a cotton cloth, apply to the joint for 2 hours, wrapping with bandage and film.
6. Dandelion decoction.2 teaspoons.Boil dried dandelion leaves and roots in a glass of water in a water bath for 10 minutes, leave to cool.Drink the medicine 1/3 tbsp.3 times a day.

Folk remedies help to cope with painful symptoms and relieve arthrosis, but do not replace medications.

Methods of Tibetan medicine for joints

Tibetan healers give a leading role to physiotherapy and manual techniques.

Let's look at some of the most effective ways to treat osteoarthritis:

• reflexology (acupuncture, acupuncture)– impact on biologically active points of the human body by introducing special thin needles, used to relieve pain and improve metabolism in the tissues;
• acupressure (acupressure)– massage through pressure on certain points of the body responsible for the health of each individual organ or area;
• vacuum massage– with the help of cups or a special device, a targeted effect is achieved on the pathological area, improving blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, eliminating congestion;
• stone therapy– massage with hot stones of volcanic origin, which promote the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, stimulating metabolic processes.

As a result of the use of Tibetan procedures, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints are slowed down, natural regeneration is activated and overall health of the body occurs.

Treatment of osteoarthritis with stem cells

Cell therapy is a new way to restore joint structure using stem cells that trigger regenerative processes in the cartilage.The patient's own autologous material, isolated from adipose tissue, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, is used as a "medicine".Sometimes donated material is taken from a relative or cells from an aborted fetus.

The procedure is as follows:

1. The collected material is sent to the laboratory for stem cell cultivation.The process lasts from 7 days to 2 months.
2. The finished substance is injected into the joint in a minimally invasive or surgical way.The course is selected individually and can last from 10 days to several months.

Positive results are evident after the first procedure.Pain is reduced and mobility improves.Gradually, the structure of the cartilage is restored, the metabolism is normalized and complete regeneration of the joint occurs.The therapeutic effect lasts up to 5 years.The treatment allows you to avoid surgery in the early stages;in advanced cases it is ineffective.

Correct nutrition

The condition of the musculoskeletal system largely depends on the metabolism in the body.A balanced diet can normalize the metabolism and improve the condition of the joints.During the treatment of arthrosis, and preferably forever, it is recommended to follow a special diet.

The daily diet should include:

• rabbit, chicken, turkey meat as an important source of protein;
• fruits and vegetables rich in fiber and vitamins (courgettes, cauliflower, apples, bananas, limit citrus fruits);

• marine fish containing Omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, cod, salmon);
• buckwheat pasta, rice, oats, durum wheat semolina;
• fermented milk products rich in calcium (kefir, yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese);
• legumes, nuts, bran;
• linseed oil, olive, sesame;
• aspic (gelatin) made from bone broth and gelatin, which replenishes collagen reserves.

From the products offered, you can prepare a wide variety of delicious dishes by steaming, baking, boiling or stewing.You can't eat fried food.

To benefit your joints, you should avoid:

• fatty meat and sausages;
• baked goods and sweets;
• home and store canned food;
• semi-finished products and fast food;
• whole milk;
• table salt;
• alcoholic drinks.

With arthrosis of the lower limbs it is necessary to monitor your weight and avoid obesity, so as not to create additional stress on aching legs.It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of clean water per day.Meals should be balanced and regular.

How to cure osteoarthritis with exercises

Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis help restore joint mobility, expand range of motion and prevent serious deformations.It is used for all forms of joint pathology during the remission period.

Depending on the location, several sets of special exercises have been developed:

1. Ankle arthritis
   • With light movements, massage each toe individually, gradually moving towards the foot area;
   • sit on a chair, raise your leg slightly and slowly rotate your foot counterclockwise and clockwise;
   • from the previous position, move the tip away from you and towards you.
2. Hip joint
   • squat at a right angle without lifting your heels off the floor;
   • from a standing position, make wide swings of the legs back and forth;
   • perform the “Bicycle” and “Scissors” exercises known to everyone from the school curriculum in a lying position.
3. Knee osteoarthritis
   • kneel down, sit on your heels and stand up, straightening your back;
   • the aforementioned "Bicycle" exercise is equally useful for the knees;
   • standing straight, close your legs, perform circular movements with your knees in both directions;
   • move slowly around the apartment in a crouching position, the so-called “goose gait”;
4. When the hands and fingers are affected
   • make circular movements with your wrist in different directions;
   • with your arms outstretched, clench and open your fist tightly, spreading your fingers like a fan;
   • spin a round object (ball) in your hands, rolling it in different directions.

5. Shoulder and elbow area
   • rotate your shoulders back and forth without bending your elbows;
   • from a standing position, stretch your arms upward, as if trying to reach the ceiling;
   • Bend and straighten your arms at the elbow, extending them in front of you with palms facing up.

Gymnastics at home should be performed carefully, listening to the body's reaction.If severe pain is present and the condition worsens, you should stop exercising.Any exercises are allowed only with the permission of a doctor.

Operation

Surgery is the last resort for treating osteoarthritis.Direct indications for surgical intervention are the poor effectiveness of conservative therapy, the rapid deterioration of the condition of the joints and well-being.With significant deformation of bone joints and loss of mobility, surgery is the only life-saving method.

Depending on the condition of the joints, the following types of operations are used:

• arthroscopy– minimally invasive manipulation which involves the introduction of a device into the joint cavity to remove damaged cartilage or its fragments, as well as diagnose and treat pathological changes;
• arthroplasty– partial replacement and modeling of the joint surfaces with the application between them of a pad made of artificial material or the patient's own tissue;
• cheilectomy– joint-preserving surgery, in which osteochondral growths are removed;
• endoprosthesis– radical surgery to replace a non-functional joint with an artificial implant, restoring mobility for many years;
• arthrodesis– surgical immobilization of the joint for complete bone fusion if prostheses are not possible.

Surgery is often the only method capable of prolonging the patient's active life and avoiding disability.

Conclusion

The answer to the question “Is osteoarthritis curable?”received – the disease is incurable due to its chronic course, but can be successfully treated with complex therapy.The right combination of medicinal and non-medicinal methods allows you to achieve long-term remission, eliminate unpleasant symptoms and maintain joint mobility for many years.It is only important to start treatment in a timely manner and constantly monitor your health.